The team behind proposals for a self-sufficient new community at Wisley Airfield has confirmed that they have appealed the refusal of their planning application.

The old airfield at Wisley is over a mile of concrete, 70 acres, and has been disused for decades.

"Bringing this derelict part of Guildford back to life will provide new homes locally, so people can stay in the area. The alternative is to look at other sites which will build on other green spaces," said the developer.

One mile of concrete

Guildford Borough Council has identified Wisley for development in their emerging local plan, but they recently refused the creation of a new community. It would have had improved green space, new road improvements and schools to support up to 2,000 new homes locally.

Project Director, Mike Murray, said: “Only 260 new homes a year are built in Guildford. This is nowhere near enough. Our plans on the old airfield could support up to 2,000 new homes locally.

“You can show your support and help Guildford’s young people stay in the area they call home.”

Regarding the refused application, the Wisley Action Group who are campaigning against the development said: “We are delighted, therefore, to learn that Guildford’s officers are to recommend refusal of proposals which would result in an additional 5,000 residents. This is the wrong project in the wrong place.”

Campaigners against the development

The Sunday Times reports that John Rigg, a retired chartered surveyor and chairman of the not-for-profit Guildford Vision Group, recalls a local woman saying: “I’ve got a house, I’ve got a job, I’ve got a car, and I don’t want any more houses, jobs or cars in Guildford.”

Other residents are more positive about the plans at Wisley. One Guildford resident, aged 27, said “There’s nowhere for first-time buyers. Even if you have enough for a deposit, there’s nowhere you can afford to live on your own.”

Another resident, aged 31, added “Guildford, I love you, but you are too expensive. You do get pushed out [of Guildford] because of how expensive it is.”

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The plan to use the abandoned Wisley airfield site for housing is being appealed and this is your chance to have your say. Visit the Wisley Airfield website for more information and to register your support.